Brent Yonts was a former Kentucky state representative for Muhlenberg County. He died Friday morning at COVID-19. A Greenville funeral home confirmed that. He was 72.
Yonts was a Democrat who had suffered COVID-19 for several days on a ventilator. His legislative colleagues, Sen. Whitney Westerfield (R-Hopkinsville) and retired Rep. Jim Wayne (D-Louisville), said that he had been fully vaccinated.
According to statistics from the public health department, breakthrough infections are more common in the state. These are when people who have been vaccinated test positive for the virus, and then sometimes experience symptoms.
Reuters reported Friday that breakthrough cases have been found in Israel mostly by older and sicker patients. Biden Administration recommended that a third vaccine be administered to immunocompromised people immediately and later in the fall for the rest.
Brent Yonts was a leader who helped improve the lives of Kentuckians throughout the commonwealth. The commonwealth is sad to lose him. Andy Beshear released a statement. Britainy and me extend our deepest sympathy to Jan and the entire Yonts Family as we pray for them during this difficult time. We extend our deepest sympathies to Jan and the entire Yonts family as we hold them close in prayer during this difficult time.
House Speaker David Osborne (R-Prospect), said on behalf of House Members that they hope Yonts' family can find comfort in his many achievements and the fact that Kentucky is a better state because of him.
Brent Yonts was a trusted colleague and made many new friends while serving as a member of the Kentucky House of Representatives. His colorful clothes and clever wit were well-known, but his true character was his dedication to his family.
Three House Democratic leaders, Floor Leader Joni Jenkins from Louisville, Caucus Chairman Derrick Graham of Frankfort, and Whip Angie Hatton, of Whitesburg, stated in a statement that Brent has served his House district and all Kentucky with distinction over two decades. This has established a long list of accomplishments that will be of benefit to the commonwealth for many more years.
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Personally, we will never forget his kindness and warmth, his dedication to making Kentucky a better place to live and work, and his colorful jackets.
Former Democratic governor. Paul Patton expressed sadness at the news of Yonts' death.
Patton said that Brent was in the Kentucky General Assembly almost for the entire eight years I served him as governor of Kentucky. He was honest, open-minded, and gentlemanly, regardless of whether he shared my view or not. He was exactly the type of person we needed in the legislature. His representation was a great asset to his district.
Westerfield described Yonts as a quirky character, who was flashy for a small town.
Greg Stumbo (Speaker of the House), left, spoke with Rep. Brent Yonts, Muhlenburg, during the return of session at the State Capital, Frankfort, Ky. on Tuesday, February 3rd 2009. Staff
Yonts was also known for his Greenville law firm's museum housing presidential memorabilia.
Westerfield said that he was very polite, smart, and treated everyone with respect.
Wayne stated that Yonts was always considerate and did the right thing, especially for workers.
From 1997 to 2016, Yonts was the Kentucky state representative for Kentucky's 15th District. This district includes Muhlenberg County as well as a large portion of Hopkins County. Republican Melinda Gibbons Prunty defeated him for re-election.
Yonts' work on criminal and House State Government Committee was well-known in the legislature.
Yonts received a bachelor's degree from Murray State University, and a law diploma from the University of Kentucky. In the early 1970s, he was a first lieutenant with the U.S. Army.
Jan and Yonts have three children.
Garys Funeral Home, Greenville handles arrangements. They are expected to close Friday night.
